New Haven

10 One Mile or Less Hikes to Take with Your Preschooler in Connecticut

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Sun, 05/13/2018 - 7:48pm

While Connecticut has hundreds of hiking trails crisscrossing the state, the trails aren’t always suitable for little legs and little feet. So your preschooler may not be ready for Sleeping Giant’s blue trail or Southford Fall’s tower trail however, they will just love exploring the outdoors on these 10 kid-friendly hikes we’ve uncovered. Here are some 1-mile-or-less hikes that are just enough for the youngest of hikers - teaching the invaluable lesson that it is the journey, not the destination. And maybe they’ll catch a frog or two.

11 Spring Fairs & Festivals in Central Connecticut

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Sun, 04/15/2018 - 12:00pm

April showers bring May flowers, and along with all the colorful blossoms come an array of springtime celebrations. The Hartford and New Haven areas are bursting with exciting outdoor family festivals in April, May, and June. These eleven events feature crafts, delicious treats, family-friendly activities, and boundless fun. So head outside with the children and enjoy all that spring in Central Connecticut has to offer.

Visiting Van Gogh, Picasso and Monet at the Yale University Art Gallery

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Sat, 04/07/2018 - 3:27am

Did you know you could visit Van Gogh, Picasso, and Monet in the Elm City? Yup. Right on the corner of York and Chapel streets, you’ll find a collection of more than 200,000 works of art in the oldest art gallery in the western hemisphere. And yes, we know what you're thinking. Should you really take your four year old to a gallery? The answer is yes, you should. In fact, Yale offers a number of family-friendly guides and programs inviting you and your four year old to take a closer look at art.

Summer Fairs, Festivals, and Carnivals in the New Haven Area

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Fri, 04/06/2018 - 2:17am

Those "lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer" are just about here, and some of the most memorable moments are spent at festivals where the air is filled with laughter, the aroma of cotton candy, and the twinkling lights of carnival games.

Summer always seems to go by way too fast, so be sure to fill yours with adventure and fun before the chilly days descend upon us once more. Many towns across the New Haven area will bring your weekends to life with live music, exciting entertainment, traditional cuisine, thrilling rides, and plenty of fried dough.

Want more? We've got roundups of festivals and fairs in Eastern CT and Hartford County, too, as well as free concert series in Fairfield County.

A Visit to Hawkwood Game Cafe

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Tue, 03/27/2018 - 11:02am

On the very first day of s pring I spent my afternoon on an adventure racing my children through Peppermint Forest, Licorice Lagoon, and Lolipop Palace to the lost Candy Castle. Just as I was going to jump ahead through Frosted Palace on a double purple draw, our soft pretzel arrived in the boardroom cafe. Hawkwood Game Cafe opened its doors earlier this year in downtown Milford, tucked in a row of businesses that run alongside Colony Grill.

Connecticut STEM Camps Keep Science and Math Fun All Summer

Submitted by Julia Tolstrup on Sun, 03/18/2018 - 10:00am

Got a kiddo who loves all things science and tech? If so, a STEM summer camp could be a great way to broaden those interests and start your little scientist on a path of lifelong learning. STEM-based camps motivate young people to learn about and protect the natural world, while helping them understand the progression of technology and how they can contribute to its progress—which is now probably more important than ever. At these enriching, hands-on summer programs, kids will have a chance to learn about everything from building a model coral reef, to designing and printing 3-D objects, to powering a circuit using solar energy.

Teaching through Touch: The Connecticut Children's Museum

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Thu, 03/15/2018 - 7:10pm

Imagine walking inside the great, green room in the beloved children's book "Goodnight Moon" where there is a telephone, a red balloon and a picture of the cow jumping over the moon. A room complete with the famous "comb and a brush and a bowl full of mush," allowing you play by the fireplace, lie down in the bed or open a cabinet filled with clocks and wind them all up. Well, at the Connecticut Children's Museum in New Haven, you can.

Easter Egg Hunts and Events in Connecticut

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Fri, 03/09/2018 - 1:52pm

Hippity Hoppity Easter's on its way! That's right folks, the Easter Bunny is coming to town. And, if you're like us and you can't wait any longer for Springtime, Cadbury Eggs and Easter bonnets, we've got you covered. With glow-in-the-dark egg hunts, train rides and bunny breakfasts and brunch, we have rounded up a seriously comprehensive list of bunny sightings and egg-stravaganzas across the state. Hint: March 24th seems to be a very popular date for Easter Egg hunting. Most of these events are geared towards preschoolers and younger elementary age children, so keep that in mind if you have older children. Also note that some events require pre-registration and/or prepayment. Have a hopping good time!

Affordable Summer Camps in CT

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sun, 03/04/2018 - 2:26pm

Once school ends, you suddenly have a whole lot of unstructured playtime. A whole two months of free time. Don't stress. This is where summer camps come into the picture and they don't have to break the bank. We've made it easy for you to find some less expensive options so that you and your kids can stay busy, happy, and sane this summer. Check out Mommy Poppins' list of cheap (and even free) summer camps. And remember to inquire with your town's parks and rec department. They typically have very affordable options too. And for more campy fun, check out our summer camp guide!

St. Patrick's Day Events in Connecticut

Submitted by Erin McNamee on Sat, 03/03/2018 - 10:00am

It's March and you know what that means...St. Patrick's Day! While St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are often thought of as mostly adult-oriented (usually associated with pints of Guinness), there are many kid-friendly ways to celebrate the holiday with wee little ones. Check out the following great family events to celebrate St. Patty's Day in Connecticut. Erin Go Bragh!